Middle East Conflict: LPG Production Rises 38 Percent As Government Strives To Battle Energy Crisis

New Delhi: Amidst the conflict in Iran and the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas provided detailed information on Tuesday regarding the status of LPG supplies in India. The Ministry stated that there remains an adequate availability of petroleum products and LPG within the country, and there is no shortage of any kind. All refineries are operating at high capacity, and oil companies have maintained sufficient reserves of crude oil.

What did Ministry of Petroleum say?

The Ministry of Petroleum noted that, currently, India possesses adequate quantities of petrol and diesel to meet its requirements, and there is no need for imports to satisfy domestic demand. There have been no reports of fuel stock-outs at any petrol pumps across the country. Oil Marketing Companies are maintaining a regular supply flow. The government has appealed to the public not to engage in panic-buying of petrol and diesel.

The Ministry further informed that domestic PNG and CNG consumers are receiving 100% of their gas supply, while supplies for industrial and commercial consumers have been curtailed to approximately 80%. In urban areas, commercial LPG consumers are being encouraged to switch to PNG. The supply of LPG is being continuously monitored, and no shortages have been reported at the distributor level.

How Much Increase in Domestic LPG Production?

According to the Ministry of Petroleum, domestic LPG production has witnessed an increase of approximately 38%. Online booking for LPG in the country has risen to 94%, while the coverage of the Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) system has reached 76%. The government has taken stringent measures to curb the hoarding and black-marketing of LPG. Across the country, more than 12,000 raids have been conducted, resulting in the seizure of over 15,000 cylinders. States and Union Territories have been directed to intensify their surveillance and take strict action against offenders.

What about the issue of gas pipelines? 

The Ministry also stated that the government is actively expanding the City Gas Distribution (CGD) network and has urged the states to expedite the process of laying pipelines. Additional allocations of kerosene have also been made to the States and Union Territories to alleviate the pressure on LPG. The government has appealed to citizens not to panic, to refrain from unnecessary booking of LPG cylinders, and to utilize digital modes. Furthermore, it has been advised to increase the use of alternative fuels such as PNG and electric cooktops (induction stoves).